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Appeal after dog attack on Ainsdale beach

Merseyside Police have issued an image of a man they believe may be able to assist detectives investigating an incident involving dogs on Ainsdale beach in February.

At around 3pm on February 19, a woman was walking her dog on the beach when she was knocked to the ground by a dog off its lead which then attacked her own dog. The woman attended hospital for treatment for a knee injury, and her dog required veterinary treatment including surgery.

Inspector Beth Blake said: “We are asking the man pictured to come forward as we believe he may have information that could assist our investigation into this incident.

“It is a criminal offence to allow a dog to be dangerously out of control, and in this case both a dog and its owner were left requiring treatment for injuries caused by the dog.

“Anyone walking their dog in Merseyside needs to be mindful of their dog’s behaviour at all times and keep their pet on a lead if it is liable to be aggressive towards people or animals. We will not tolerate irresponsible dog ownership here in Merseyside.”

New euro project success for Bootle-based organisation

A Bootle organisation has added a new European-funded project to its portfolio.

Social enterprise Regenerus – based in the Investment Centre on Stanley Road in the town centre – is the lead partner in the Unravel Tomorrow initiative, working alongside organisations in Portugal, Denmark, Italy, Germany and Latvia.

This is the fourth project funded by the Erasmus+ programme of the European Union that Regenerus has been involved with in recent years.

The objective of Unravel Tomorrow is to learn from – and connect up – the social innovators, entrepreneurs and activists who are developing new products and services, and new ways of working, to shape a better future.

It builds on the success achieved by the same partners with the previous Tomorrow’s Land project, which explored how social innovation and the collaborative economy could help to achieve positive social change and ultimately a more inclusive society.

The focus of these new ways of working is on creating solutions that are more effective, efficient, sustainable or just. And in addition, when value is created, that it should benefit a community or society as a whole, rather than simply generating profits for owners or shareholders.

Building on Tomorrow’s Land, the new project will take things a stage further by producing physical and virtual materials, and arranging workshops and conferences, that will link aspiring change makers with the skills, resources and perspectives that will enable them to ‘Unravel Tomorrow’.

Partners are currently busy conducting in-depth interviews with more than 30 pioneers from across Europe, who are creating new ways of working, to learn from best practice initiatives and gather their insights into possibilities for the future. The results will be captured in the ‘Faces of Tomorrow’ catalogue.

And in May Regenerus will host an international learning experience for aspiring social entrepreneurs from across Europe, showcasing some of the best of the social economy across Liverpool City Region.

Ruth Livesey of Regenerus commented: “After developing a very good relationship with our European partners on Tomorrow’s Land we’re delighted to be working with them again on this new project.

“It’s very exciting to be providing support at an international level that can help pioneer social innovators to get their new projects off the ground.”

Former midwife urges people to have their say about NHS changes

Healthcare in Sefton will only work if people get to have their say – urges former midwife, Anne Major.

Anne, from Southport, who also used to be a neonatal nurse, is encouraging others to speak out as part of the national ‘What Would You Do?’ campaign, led by independent health and social care champion Healthwatch Sefton.

The campaign aims to encourage people in Sefton to share their views about how extra money from the Government should be spent on local NHS services.

The Government is investing £20 billion a year in the NHS as part of the NHS Long Term Plan. Local organisations are now being asked to explore how services should change locally to make the NHS work better for people.

Anne, who is also Healthwatch Sefton locality representative for Central Southport, said: “When I have been at listening events at Southport and Formby hospital with Healthwatch Sefton we get fantastic comments and feedback about health services through talking with and listening to people.

“Patients are the experts. Each and every one of them has a story to share – whether that’s good or bad. I would encourage others to take part in the campaign and make sure their voice is heard.”

Anne has had plenty of first-hand experience with health and care services in the borough, having worked as a midwife and neonatal nurse for more than 30 years. She has personal experience of the NHS due to her husband having had a quadruple heart by-pass and is passionate about ensuring that the care of her family and community is the best the NHS can provide.

Maureen Kelly, Chair of Healthwatch Sefton, added: “The NHS only works when the voices of the people who use it are heard. This is a once-in-a-generation chance for local people to help decide where this extra money from Government should be spent in our NHS services in Sefton.

“We want to hear from as many people as possible about what works, what doesn’t and how they think local health services should be improved. No matter how big or small the issue, we want to hear about it. Sharing your experience with us is quick and easy – and could make a big difference.”

LCR Pride Foundation has revealed the dates and location for the 2019 Pride festival, along with its new identity – Pride in Liverpool.

The free festival will return to the Tithebarn Street site in the city centre on Saturday 27th with multiple stages of live entertainment, a dedicated youth zone and whole host of inclusive activities, stalls and food and drink vendors. The fun will continue on Sunday 28th July with more activities taking place at a soon-to-be revealed city centre location.

Festival goers will also be invited to March with Pride along the traditional route from St George’s Hall, finishing at Moorfields. Those wishing to march can sign up to the LCR Pride Foundation mailing list to be notified when registration opens.

Pride in Liverpool 2019 will be the first festival delivered by the recently-established LCR Pride Foundation. Co-chairs Andi Herring and John Bird said: “We have been overwhelmed by the support shown to the LCR Pride Foundation since its launch at the start of the year and are excited to now be able to reveal the 2019 festival dates.

“Planning for this year’s Pride in Liverpool is well underway and we are looking forward to revealing more details in the coming weeks.”

Life After Stroke – Help for residents recovering from a stroke who feel isolated

Throughout Sefton’s Year of Friendship, Sefton Council is dedicated to reducing loneliness by making residents aware of the many groups and activities on offer throughout the borough.

The Council would like to highlight the Stroke Association’s work to tackle isolation for Sefton residents who are recovering from a stroke.

The Stroke Association are an organisation which offers high quality up to date stroke information for patients, their families and carers.

Every year there are approximately 152,000 strokes in the UK. That is one stroke every three and a half minutes. Most people affected are over 65 but anyone can have a stroke including children and even babies.

Feelings of isolation and depression can be common for people who are recovering from a stroke. Sometimes this is the result of mobility issues that make it difficult for survivors to get out. It may be the frustration that comes with the inability to communicate clearly. For some survivors, symptoms are a source of embarrassment. Whatever its cause, the cure for isolation is other people.

Merseyside Life After Stroke Group, meet every Tuesday 10-12pm

Hope Community Church Old Roan, Aintree Ln, Liverpool L10 2JJ.

This is a very popular group with over 40 members from Sefton, attending each week. Patients are offered peer support, exercise and social activities.

South Sefton Life After Stroke Group, meet every Wednesday 1.30-3.30pm,